South Portland has hired an administrator from Portland schools as its new superintendent.

Angela Atkinson Duina, the current assistant superintendent of elementary schools for Portland Public Schools, will start on July 15, inheriting a department still reeling from recent budget cuts that led to closing a school and eliminating dozens of positions.

Atkinson Duina is taking over for George Entwistle, who served as interim superintendent after the prior superintendent resigned last June.

“Angela holds the skill set that South Portland needs right now, understanding the importance of relationships combined with efficiency and authenticity,” school board Chair Rosemarie De Angelis said in a statement. “Our community is ready to benefit from her strengths as a community builder and instructional leader, making her the ideal leader for South Portland Schools.”

The school department launched its superintendent search months ago, collaborating with consultants Zeal Education Group and soliciting community and staff input to put together a leadership profile.

In her current role, Atkinson Duina oversees 10 elementary schools serving about 3,000 students. Previously, she worked as an education professor for the University of Southern Maine. She also has experience as a research director, dean of faculty and vice principal.

She holds a doctorate in educational leadership and policy from Boston University, a master’s in administration and social policy from Harvard University and a bachelor’s degree in Spanish and psychology from Boston College.  

“I value the opportunity to lead a community that deeply prioritizes learning, honors its diverse student population, and supports its dedicated staff,” Atkinson Duina said in a statement. “I am eager to build on South Portland’s strong foundation of community pride and ensure that every student has an equitable path to success.”

The district has faced several challenges in the past year.

During the recent budget season, the school district had to cut about $8.4 million to hold the tax increase to 6%, so it closed James O. Kaler Elementary School and removed 50 staff positions. Residents will vote on the budget June 9.

School board Vice Chair Adrian Dowling resigned days after recall papers were taken out against him and De Angelis. 

And Atkinson Duina will lead the department through the reconfiguration of the city’s elementary schools. 

The school board voted to delay reconfiguring the elementary schools until the 2027-28 school year while a steering committee comes up with a plan.

Messages left for Atkinson Duina seeking an interview were not returned by Thursday afternoon, nor was an email to the school department requesting her salary.